Can I Learn Cyber Security Through Formal Education?
Have you scanned the news recently? It’s obvious that there is a dire need for more cyber security professionals especially due to the increasingly prevalent hacking and data breaches that has caused damage to individuals, companies, and governments across the world.
A significant example is the WannaCry attacks that occurred in May 2017. The ransomware used by the cyber attackers inscribed itself in approximately 300,000 computers in more than 150 countries. The increased demand for cyber security services means that there’s never a better time for you to pursue a career in this field.
How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist
There are two main ways that you can become a cyber security specialist:
- Training yourself
- Through formal education
Formal Education
Despite being lots of jobs in the IT industry that don’t require a college degree, to break into the cyber security field, you’ll need a combination of the recent computer skills and educational qualifications. 61% of all cyber security job postings require potential employees to have a bachelor’s degree or higher. However, different cyber security specialist jobs will have different educational requirements depending on the employer and position.
Bachelor’s Degree
A technical bachelor’s degree is an excellent way to prepare yourself for a cyber security job. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in cyber security, information technology, computer science, or any other related discipline. Some potential employers also require industry certification, specialized training or related work experience.
Master’s Degree
To qualify for mid-level or advanced cyber security specialist positions, you’ll need to have completed an advanced degree and have working experience. Employers often show preference to candidates holding a master’s degree in cyber security.
A cyber security degree program will help you develop next-generation skills to predict and evade cyber threats as well as prepare you for career growth by understanding techniques used to compromise and infiltrate systems. Some of the courses in cyber security degree include programming, networking, mathematics, and wireless technologies concentrating in both theory and practical hands-on experience.
Benefits of Formal Education in Cybersecurity
You will qualify for more job opportunities: Cyber security is a fast-growing industry and employers are now seeking qualified professionals with degrees in cyber security. This means that with formal education, your job security is bolstered.
Network with other professionals: Through formal education, you’ll get the chance to network with the best. Most students who pursue cyber security come from different backgrounds ranging from fresh students to senior security officers in big corporations, and they all want to prove their quality in cyber security.
Career advancement: A formal education program in cyber security will help you prove to your employers that you’re ready to move up to the next step in your career.
Helps you use your entire skillset: Cyber security is dynamic and this means that you can easily differentiate yourself by drawing on your skillsets from training and hands-on experience.
Higher salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for skilled cyber security experts is $90,600 and you can earn higher as you climb up the academic ladder and qualify for more advanced positions.
Other Important Qualifications
Although most educational programs for potential cyber security professionals focus on computer and network, success in this industry also requires a combination of business acumen and management expertise, including:
- Leadership and management abilities
- Strong problem-solving ability
- Dependability and integrity
- Experience with a variety of security tools and computer systems
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Flexibility and being able to multitask in a fast-paced environment
Are you interested in stepping up into the world of cyber security? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security, ECPI University offers this degree program at an accelerated rate. For more information about classes, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Cyber and Network Security - Bachelor’s
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